New World Wine Maker Blog

“I was born on 7th July outside a recognised winemaking area in Beaufort West.”

Q. Where did you study and what qualification did you achieve ?

“I studied at Elsenberg during 2014 and 2016. I finished my BAgric degree.”

Q. Do you consider your approach to winemaking to be different to others ?

“I would not say it’s different , I still believe the basis for winemaking is the same all over, depends on the style you make. I would have to admit I’m more of a relaxed person in life and believe in let it be. This might just be because I’m young, but that is what I believe now. I do believe wine is made in the vineyard , you should just facilitate it in the cellar.”

Q. How involved do you get in the vineyard ?

“Not nearly enough. This is a big part in my career that I have to work on. Winemaking has and will forever start in the vineyard. If you don’t know what’s going on in the vineyard you will not understand what is happening in the tank ! (So my next focus now is to get more involved in the vineyard.)

Q. Do you have any varieties you prefer to work with ?

“At this moment Gamay noir is a variety that I love working with. I would also like to work with Verdelho.”

Q. Have you been influenced by any particular winemaker or by a wine region ?

“I don’t have a specific winemaker that influenced me, but I have a few winemakers that I got bits and pieces from in life. If there is one winemaker that I have to mention it is Danielle Roux. I believe she taught me the greatest in life and that is to give anyone an opportunity to prove themselves. Regarding wine region, I would have to say in South Africa it’s the Swartland. The way they do things is just mind blowing ! Abroad I would have to admit it’s Portugal, and more specific the Douro valley. I love the wine styles you get there, especially the white blends. It’s crazy how good the wine is.”

Q. What would you consider your greatest achievement as a winemaker ?

“Well I am still young in this industry , but to come straight out of Elsenberg and to walk into a cellar and do 1000 tons ! I feel this is quite an achievement !”

Q. What “secrets” have you “developed” that make your wines different to others ?

“I’m still an Assistant winemaker, but one secret, if you can call it that, I’ve learned to believe in what you get from the vineyard, it will end up in the wine. It might not seem like it during fermentation, but don’t worry about it, just believe,”

Q. How important is modern winemaking equipment in your winemaking ?

“Keep it simple and basic ! You have eyes and hands, a nose and a mouth. Use them, they won’t let you down. I’m not at all against machinery , but don’t try to make wine.”

Q. Tell me about your background ?

“I grew up on a farm just outside Beaufort West as one of three children. Both my parents came from a farming background. I matriculated in the Central High School and took a gap year after school and then went on to study at Elsenberg. “

Q. What plans for the future ?

“I am not too sure. I have to learn a lot more about wine and vineyards. I want to travel to different countries meet new people and really enjoy life !”

About the Author

Dave Hughes - Rhodesian by birth, South African by choice. Distiller by trade, winemaker by love. Educator by necessity. Fancier of female form by desire. After 33 years of Corporate employment...